This is Dublin first purpose built Victorian shopping arcade, completed in 1881. It offers a variety of shops from arts and crafts to clothing and accessories and jewellery. There are numerous places to stop for a snack or something more substantial to eat.

Close to Dublin but a world away. This is an excellent place to come if you enjoy seafood as you will be spoiled for choice. If you enjoy cycling there is popular a coastal cycle way to Howth and the headland itself presents a formidable challenge to any cyclist. Worth the trip to the top for the views back across Dublin bay.

Put simply the gardens are beautiful, there is a visitors center where you can find all the background information you need and also a lovely cafe. The beautiful glass-houses are a must see and there is also a walled kitchen garden that is well worth a look around.

It is quite unlike traditional museums with not a hint of stuffiness about it. There are new exhibits added on a rolling basis which keeps the museum fresh. The museum is run independently of the National Museum structure and fully deserves support.

its historical and beautiful and full of charm. You can jog around it or through it and there are many beautiful walks inside. A herb garden with amazing smells specially for the blind, a kids playground and its accessible to great restaurants and shops when you finished.

If you need an injection of tranquility a visit to the Iveagh Gardens will sort you out. Fans of gardening and landscaping will enjoy the many styles exhibited in the gardens. They are a great place to picnic if the weather allows.

Special events relating to the current exhibition are run on an on-going basis. Many are child friendly and hands on so are a great way of introducing little people to science and research. The staff are very engaging and friendly too which ensures there is nothing stuffy about this place.

Founded in 1592 modeled after the collegiate universities of Oxford and of Cambridge but unlike these, only one college was ever established; as such the designations "Trinity College" and "University of Dublin" are usually synonymous for practical purposes.

This building is one of the finest Georgian buildings standing in Dublin and you can wander around it for free (or spend a small fortune shopping). There is a wonderful covered over courtyard in the middle which is a lovely spot of a cocktail or some dinner, you might even be entertained by a pianist.

if you want to sit and ponder in a place of peace and beauty in Dublin s North side this is a good option. Its beside the Dublin Writers Museum and you can rest your bones and think of those who gave there lives so we can sit and enjoy.

The island is home to lots of wildlife and there is an interpretative center where you can find out more about the many species that call the island home. There are also two golf clubs on the island. The wetlands are an important migratory bird habitat for birdwatchers.

If you are not of the romantic ilk St. Valentine may still be your man, he is also the patron saint of epilepsy and bee-keepers (as well as fainting and plague but lets not shout that too loudly!). The Carmelite church itself is worth a visit too and there is a coffee shop for refreshments if you need reviving from all the love in the air.

if you're ready to enjoy a combination of urban tourism, chill out atmosphere and yes, water, Docklands is the place to go. It offers not only interesting things to do, like seeing a play or a concert in the magnificent Grand Canal Theatre, but is also a perfect place to just enjoy the view.

Generations of fruit and vegetable stall holders have plied their trade on this street, the oldest food market in Dublin. More recent additions to the street include shops supplying the emigrant community from around the world. This has brought a new vibrancy to the area. If a 'chinatown' were to develop in Dublin it would surly start here.